Pilonidal disease is a small infected pocket just under the skin at the bottom of the spine. It occurs when a pit or small pouch becomes filled with hairs. The word pilonidal means "nest of hairs". If the hairs begin to burrow into the skin or become ingrown, an inflammation or infection can result. The condition is most common in men with a lot of body hair. It tends to occur when they are in their teens or twenties.

It may cause tenderness at the base of the spine. Sitting may be painful. There may be a foul smelling substance oozing from the site. An abscess may form. An abscess is an enclosed infection filled with pus. Symptoms of infection are:
* increased pain,
* swelling,
* redness, and
* heat.

Mild cases often are not noticed. They clear on their own with time. Keeping the area shaved and clean helps resolve the condition. Medical attention is necessary if an infection sets in.

Treatment of an acute abscess is to open and drain it. If the problem comes back, it may require surgery. The surgeon removes tissue surrounding the abscess. He or she then either stitches the pocket closed or converts it to an open pouch. The operation usually calls for anesthesia and a short hospital stay.

Recently, the procedure has been simplified for many cases. The healthcare provider can perform it in the office with local pain killers. He thoroughly cleans the area and removes hair follicles and ingrown hairs. Patients recover from this procedure much more quickly than from surgery. If you have pilonidal disease, ask whether the simplified procedure will be adequate treatment.

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